Say What? So…What is an Audiologist?
If you're looking at this page wondering, "What in the world is an Audiologist?" Then this post is for you!
Audiologists. Do they work with speakers? Are they audiophiles? Seriously, two years prior to committing my life to the field of audiology, I had NO idea what an audiologist was. If you told me in high school that I'd grow up to be an audiologist, I'd have to find a dictionary. However, sometimes a career chooses you, and here we are!
So… for those of you who are waiting to be enlightened, I'll first begin my explanation with a sleep inducing dictionary definition: Audiologists are health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Audiologists practice with a license and/or professional credential, must hold a Masters degree (MSc) or Doctorate (Au.D.) in Audiology, and complete clinical internships.
Got it? Still awake? Great! Then keep reading!
Tell me more, what EXACTLY do Audiologists do?
Audiologists provide hearing and balance testing, treatment, follow-up care, and counseling to patients and their family members, and can work with newborns, children and adults. (That's right, hearing isn't just an issue for "old" people)
Our main focus as audiologists is how auditory and balance impairments affect a patient's communication, mobility, and safety, and what can be done to improve their quality of life.
Audiologists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, physician offices, device manufacturers, and school boards, just to name a few. You can work anywhere, from a sprawling medical center, to travelling the country as a manufacturer representative, or even run your own independent practice. The options are endless!
What are some areas of "specialty" that audiologists can choose?
During their educational training, audiologists do not have to specialize in one particular area, so you can participate in a wide range of clinical placements and find your niche. After graduation, you can also attend courses and training to receive additional certifications.
Audiologists can work with any combination of the following:
-Diagnostic hearing testing
-Pediatric audiology
-Prescribing and fitting hearing aids
-Tinnitus and hyperacusis
-Central auditory processing disorder
-Newborn hearing screenings
-Cerumen management (ear wax removal)
-Electrophysiology
-Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring
-Cochlear implants
-Vestibular/balance disorders
-Aural rehabilitation
-Educational audiology
-Occupational hearing conservation
-Community outreach
-Clinical and academic training
-Research
-Hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturer jobs: sales, education, training, business management, etc.
...and many Audiologists participate in local and international mission trips to provide hearing healthcare and education to under served areas around the world!
So why did I become an audiologist?
It's true that audiologists are not the only professionals that work with hearing, however, not all providers are created equal. Here are four of the main (but not only) reasons I decided to commit to a four year doctoral program and why I am SO passionate about my job:
1. I get to help people every day! Yes, this sounds like a cheesy answer in a job interview, but in this case, it's true! People may not always want to admit to their hearing impairment, or may think hearing aids are difficult to manage, but then I get to work my Audiologist magic, and teach them how to reduce the negative impact of their hearing loss and get more out of their life than they thought possible.
2. I get to be a scientist AND an artist. Personally, I was never one to focus on one subject at school. I loved physics class, and creating art projects in my spare time. Why choose to pigeon hole yourself in your career?? Audiologists get to be scientists during diagnostic testing and programming of hearing devices, but artists in our ability to counsel patients and physically fit hearing devices.
3. Audiologists typically have a larger scope of practice than hearing instrument dispensers.
Yes, you can go to school for a significantly shorter amount of time to work with adult hearing aid patients if you become an HIS. This can be a great career path as well! However, I chose audiology because you have the opportunity to work with a wider variety of patient populations, and provide them with the best possible diagnostic care. That means, if you are looking for a career change, you can find a new position within audiology in a completely different setting and use a whole new set of skills!
4. The experience! Through the doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.), I completed thousands (that's right, thousands!) of clinical hours. I also had the opportunity to conduct research, present and network at conferences, provide community outreach, participate in national organizations, and so much more! Education isn't just about getting a degree, but is more importantly about gaining valuable skills in interpreting and synthesizing scientific information, conducting research, utilizing best practices, and communicating with patients. The Au.D. provides you with the opportunity to do all of this while working alongside accomplished and passionate Audiologists and surgeons. That same level of knowledge simply would not have come from work experience alone.
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Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash
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